Do the Twist

SPECIAL OFFER!

Sew News readers can receive an exclusive discount on #2400 Raglan Tops from Great Copy Patterns. The pattern, regularly priced at $12.50 ppd, is available for a limited time at the special Sew News price of $10 ppd. The pattern is designed for stretch knits and features four different necklines. All views can be made with short, three quarter or long sleeves. The pattern is multi-sized for ladies Ex-Small (bust 34) through Ex-Large (bust 45). To order, send a check or money order to Great Copy Patterns, PO Box 085329, Racine, WI 53408, or order online at greatcopy.com by entering promotional code: SN609.

A tiny twist transforms an ordinary neckline into a big fashion statement. Complete the transformation using a fabric-marking pen and a few pins.

WHAT YOU NEED

T-shirt pattern with an open neckline, such as Great Copy #2400 Raglan Tops

Knit fabric with at least 25{percent sign} stretch content (see "Stretch Strategies" below), such as interlock, stretch jersey knit or stretch terry in the amount indicated on the pattern envelope

Matching all-purpose thread

Removable fabric-marking pen or chalk in two different colors

Pins

Cutting and Construction

The secret to a perfectly twisted neckline is cutting the correct neck band length.

Determine the amount of stretch in the fabric. See "Stretch Strategies" below.

Cut one front, one back and two sleeves. Mark the center point along the front neckline. Repeat to mark the back neckline-center point.

Following the directions on the pattern guidesheet, stitch the sleeves to the front and back. Leave the side seams unstitched. Press the seam allowances toward the shirt body.

Fold the garment in half on the center front and center back marks (1). Straighten the neck edge. Measure the neck edge from the center front to the center back (2); record. Multiply this number by two. This is your neck edge measurement.

1) 2)

If the fabric has 25% stretch, cut a neckband 3"-wide by the neck edge measurement minus 4", with the stretch running the length of the neckband.If the fabric has 50 {percent sign} stretch or more, cut a neckband 3"-wide by the neck edge measurement minus 6", with the stretch running the length of the neckband.

Using a rotary cutter and ruler helps you cut the neckband more accurately.

Add a Twist

Position the neckband right side down on flat work surface. Along one long edge, mark 1" from one short end. Alternating between the two different colors, mark every inch along the entire band length. The alternating colors allow for easier alignment when twisting the neckband. Repeat for the other neckband long edge (3).

With right sides facing, fold the neckband in half and stitch the ends together, using a 1/4" seam allowance. Finger-press the seam allowance open.

When sewing soft stretch knits, the first few stitches often pull the fabric into the sewing machine throat plate, which can cause broken needles ...